Southgate confirmed as England manager

The Football Association has confirmed that Gareth Southgate is the new England manager on a permanent basis.

Gareth Southgate has been appointed England boss on a full-time basis, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed.

The 46-year-old was appointed interim boss of the Three Lions in September after the departure of Sam Allardyce, who managed just one match before he was caught up in a newspaper sting relating to alleged corruption in football.

England has won two and drawn two of its four fixtures under Southgate's stewardship and he has done enough to convince the FA that he should be given the job permanently.

Southgate has signed a four-year contract, which includes the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2020.

"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I’m also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully," Southgate said.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there’s huge potential. I’m determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they’re proud of and one that they’re going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now."

Southgate’s first competitive match as manager will be the international fixture against Germany in Dortmund on 23 March (AEDT). That is quickly followed by a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on 27 March (AEDT) at home.

Former defender Southgate made almost 650 appearances across an 18-year playing career with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. During that time, he also earned 57 England caps and played at two FIFA World Cups and two European championships, including the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 1996.

Southgate began his managerial career with Middlesbrough in the Premier League between 2006 and 2009. He originally joined The FA as head of elite development in January 2011 and played a key role in the opening of St. George’s Park over an 18-month period.

He was appointed England Under-21 head coach in August 2013. He guided that side to two U21 Euro finals – marking a continent record of six successive qualifications – and won last summer’s Toulon Tournament.

FA CEO Glenn said: "He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process.

"Gareth is a great ambassador for what The FA stands for, he’s a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he’s a winner and that’s an important part of the job."